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annual subscription based on turnover. They will be given privileged access to technology originating within MOD establish- ments, regular bulletins on new developments, help in searching for specific answers and assistance in obtaining finance to develop tech- nology licensed from DTE.

The research establishments initially involved in the scheme are RSRE, Malvern, RAE, Farnborough and ARE, Portslade and Portsdown. Information on the developments will be passed to DTE by 'ferrets' working alongside the research staff and in cooperation with the local patents officers.

DTE, Midsummer House, 443 Midsummer Boulevard~ Central Milton Keynes, MK9 3BN, UK

Internal micrometers A range of portable digital internal micrometers with integral digital displays has been developed by Bowers Internal Gauges. Fourteen instruments cover the range from 6 to 204 mm, with an overall resolution of 1 /~m and a maximum accuracy of 2.5/~m. The readout can be fed directly to a host computer using the RS232 output.

The instruments are completely self-contained and have a guaranteed battery life of one year's continuous service. They are available individually or in sets. Individually they come complete with the setting ring, or in predetermined combinations to suit specific customer requirements.

Optional extensions are available for the full range, enabling deep bores to be accurately measured. Statistical analysers and printers can be supplied as part of a complete in- process gauging system.

Bowers Internal Gauge Co Ltd, 32 Leeds Old Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD3 8HU, UK

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One of the G-series wire-cut EDN machines available f rom Tarex Berger

Five-axis EDM machine A range of four wire-cut electro dis- charge machines with five-axis com- puter numerical control has been announced by Tarex Berger Associates, following their appoint- ment as sole UK agents for Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. Designated the G-series, the machines have maxi- mum machining capacities ranging from 250 x 300 x 160 mm to 400× 750 x 260 mm, and the largest model can support a table load of nearly 1 t.

Improved generator design and development of wire electrodes gives uniform machining at speeds up to 200 mm 2 min -1 in material up to 260mm thick (150 mm with auto aire feed facility). High precision is obtained by pitch erro~ compensation, 0.25/~m table drive control resolution, and rigid cast machine structure. Surface finish is to 0.4/~m, R a.

Wider angle taper cutting is being increasingly specified by industry. G-series machines have as

standard a diamond wire guide attachment which can cut -t- 12 = angles to a depth of 100 mm, with corner radiusing, sharp edge and oblique cylinder machining cap- abilities. Other optional features include high speed initial-hole machining by electrodes 0.5 to 5 mm in diameter for multiple cavity work, and 0.03 mm diameter fine-wire capability.

A five-axis CNC system' has been developed by Mitsubishi for use with this range. Basic machine parameters can be entered interactively using two menus, one for initial values and the other for overrides during machining. About 60 additional displays monitor and explain the process and par- ameters. A multi-colour graphic representation of the workpiece and machining sequence may also be displayed.

Tarex Berger Et Associates Ltd, The Glanty, Egham, Surrey TW20 9AH, UK

One of the new range of portable digital internal micrometers f rom Bowers Internal Gauge Co

54 J A N U A R Y 1986 V O L 8 NO 1